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Controversy Shoib Akhtar for Pakistan, Andrew Symonds for Australia and Harbhajan Singh (Bhajji) for India are the match winning cricket players. But it is not their performance in the International cricket that keeps them in headlines. They always remain in headlines not only for their onfield performance but also for their off field controversies. Shoib Akhtar is out of Pakistan team on disciplinary grounds and same is with Andrew Symonds. But Bhajji too has earned Akal Takhat’s wrath by performing and dancing on a TV show as a demon king Ravana. He had dressed as Ravana and was wearing a tilak when he danced with Mona Singh (actress) in the television show, “Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena”.

Sikh Tradition Sikhs have a unique a identity and a lot of importance is given to preserve it. It is the Sikh history that thousands of Sikhs had sacrificed to preserve their identity under the Mugul and British rule. Bhajji’s act of dressing like the demon king and wearing a tilak is highly objectionable to the community. He has hurt the Sikh sentiments Akal Takhat has ordered him to apologizer to Guru Granth Sahib and the Sikh Sangat for the objectionable act. It must be learnt that Akal Takhat is the oldest and supreme Sikh Body that is elected by the Sikhs, democratically. Akal Takhat’s Hukamnamas (orders) are respected by the Sikhs as the orders of their Guru.

Sikh Sentiments Though no one have complained against him but Akal Takhat has taken the notice of the act and have taken the action. Internationally, he is recognized as a Sikh player and his act have sent wrong messages about the Sikhism. He had taken part in the TV show during the navratras. Navratras are the nine day festival season after which the tenth day is celebrated as Vijay Dashmi. It means goods victory over evil. According to the Hindu mythology Lord Rama had killed the Demon king Ravana on this day. Despite physical identity there is not enough difference between the Sikh and Hindu religious teachings. Sikhs too, give a lot of importance to Lord Rama. Thus Akal Takhat’s stand against Bhajji is natural. Some months ago cricket commentator Mandira Badi had used the Sikh religious symbol “Ek Omkar” on here body as a tattoo and had to apologize for the act.